Four prominent national livestock and agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the United States Cattlemen’s Association, sent a letter to President Trump on August 28, 2026, urging him to reverse a proposed 90-day plan to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef. The groups contend that this plan, intended to lower beef prices by undercutting domestic supply, would destabilize the US cattle industry and undermine producers.
The organizations expressed deep concern that flooding the market with discounted foreign beef would not effectively rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen food security, or achieve lasting reductions in grocery bills. They noted that the announcement has already caused cattle markets to decline sharply, impacting producers during a crucial period for marketing cattle and making herd-building decisions.
According to the letter, current beef prices align with other consumer prices and reflect the increased costs associated with raising cattle, grain, and forage. Ranchers and farmers have recently seen strong beef demand, which is essential for investing in their operations after facing years of drought, high input costs, and disruptions at processing plants that have reduced cattle numbers. The groups argue that the proposed import strategy would discourage investment in the US cow herd and reverse the progress producers have made.
The organizations emphasized that this import plan sacrifices long-term food security for a short-term solution. They advocate for a fair and competitive market, honest price signals, and policies that prioritize US farmers, ranchers, and consumers. They urged the administration to collaborate on solutions that strengthen America’s capacity to feed itself, keep food affordable, and protect both producers and consumers, thereby preserving a viable future for the US cattle industry.
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